2018 Stephanie Cabernet Sauvignon

Growing Season:
In 2018, February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels. Volume was up 20-30% increase over average crop quantity.

Tasting Notes:
On the nose, the wine shows dark black fruit, plum, blackberry, and cassis. The palate exhibits black fruits, blueberry, cocoa, coffee and red cherry licorice. The wine has a soft finish with a nice hint of acidity and shows a deep brooding vanillin and cocoa as it finishes.